Parks and Playgrounds

The annual Community and Kite Festival, Movies in the Park, Carols in All Nations are just a few of our events hosted in our local parks.

If you are interested in organising a large event in one of Darebin's parks, you need to download, complete and submit the Event Proposal Form for Council approval.

Bookings are not required for picnic areas, shelters or discrete areas of the park.

Personal training permit applications 
Personal trainers, fitness instructors and dog obedience trainers must obtain a permit to conduct business in Darebin parks and reserves. Permits are free (except for areas which are designated Crown Land), and are valid for a 12 month period. To apply:

1. Read our Recreational Trades in Open Space Policy
2. Download and complete the application form
3. Submit your form, along with the required documentation via post or email.

Please note: Completion of an application form does not guarantee availability of booking request. 

Hot air balloon launch/landing permit applications
All hot air balloon operators must obtain a permit to launch and land in Darebin. Permitted locations are Mayer Park (Normanby Ave, Northcote) and CT Barling Reserve (Plenty Rd, Reservoir). Permits do attract a fee and are valid for a 12 month period. To apply:

1. Read our Recreational Trades in Open Space Policy
2. Download and complete the application form
3. Submit your form, along with the required documentation via post or email.

Please note: Completion of an application form does not guarantee availability of booking request. 

Further Information
Phone: 8470 8888
Email: leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

• H Swain Reserve Playspace
• Highview Reserve Playspace
• Wilson Boulevard Reserve Playspace
• All Nations Food Forest
• Shand Reserve Playspace
• IW Dole Reserve Half Court
• Foch Reserve Playspace
• Caddayes Corner Playspace
• Derby Reserve Playspace
• McDonald Park Playspace
• Pearl Reserve Playspace
• Merri Park
• Edwardes Lake Park

Top Parks for Accessibility
Darebin has a series of playspaces that cater to children of all abilities with sealed paths, sound play, tactile play and specially selected equipment:

• Edwardes Lake Park - All Abilities Play Space - Reservoir
• Bundoora Park - All Abilities Play Space - Bundoora
• All Nations Park - All Abilities Play Space - Northcote

You can also search the Parks and Reserves Directory by suburb or by functionality.

Parks and Reserves Directory

Parks & Reserves A-Z
We have created a Parks and Reserves A-Z list so you can select a park from the list and view the park's facilities including accessibility, playgrounds, sporting equipment, conservation areas and more.

Find out where you can walk your dog off the lead, if there are walking or cycling tracks nearby, barbecue facilities and more:

• Parks Map: a map of all parks in the City of Darebin and where they are located
• Discover Darebin Guide: a comprehensive map of outdoor facilities in the City of Darebin
• Darebin Places Guide: find the location of local parks via an interactive mapping system

• Ensure dogs are on-lead within 5 metres of shared paths, playgrounds, public BBQ's and sports grounds
• Dogs must be on-lead when approaching the off-lead area, including any car parks
• Consider other park users and ensure that dogs are kept under effective control
• Restrain your dog if asked and do not allow it to become a nuisance to other
• Dogs may access the creek if in an off-lead area
• Minimise any disturbance to creek banks and creatures who live there

Robinson/Capp Reserves Master Plan Implementation 
Stage 2 upgrades of the W.H. Robinson and A.H. Capp Reserves Master Plan will commence in June 2017. Stage 1 is complete, works included the installation of an outdoor gym and a revitalised playspace.

Works forming part of the Stage 2 upgrade, as previously consulted in 2015 and 2016, include the following:

• Higher fence replacement (completed in January 2017)
• Picnic area, including a shelter, picnic tables, custom seating and BBQs
• Shared path relocation to create a conflict-free connection between the picnic area and playspace.

Bill Lawry oval and Oldis Gardens Master Plan Development
Following the adoption of the Bill Lawry Oval and Oldis Gardens master plan on 5 December 2016, we can begin to plan projects to improve the landscaping, social spaces and connectivity between both sites and the surrounding area.

Friends of Bill Lawry Oval and Oldis Gardens
In early 2017 we will hold an information session for anyone interested in forming a Friends group for these parks. To register your interest, send an email to PublicPlaces@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Edwardes Lake Park Master Plan development
We are creating a new master plan to help guide future improvements at Edwardes Lake Park in Reservoir. We gathered many of your great suggestions and ideas which will now be considered in preparing a draft master plan, scheduled for release in March 2017.

Maintenance
Darebin boasts beautiful parklands for its residents and visitors use and enjoyment. To ensure our parklands and reserves remain in great condition, regular maintenance is carried out including litter collection, mowing of lawns and removal of weeds. In addition, regular upgrades and improvements ensure a safe and visually pleasing place to visit. Maintenance of various parklands, conservation bushlands, landscaped areas and sporting grounds includes regular;

• Grass mowing
• Litter removal
• Weed removal
• Playground inspection and maintenance as required

Further Information
Public Places team
Phone: 8470 8888
Email: PublicPlaces@darebin.vic.gov.au

• Map of Drinking Fountains in Darebin
• Parks and Reserves Directory

Download the Yarra Valley Water Choose Tap application for your smartphone to help you find drinking water fountains when you're out and about. With over 1000 locations, you can find tap water when you need it.